Owo Church Attack Trial Continues

The event centers around the ongoing trial of five individuals, including Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, accused by the United States — United States Department of State of carrying out the June 5, 2022, terror attack on Catholic Church, Ondo State, Nigeria. The attack resulted in 41 deaths and over 140 injuries. During recent proceedings at the Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza opened his defense, testifying about his arrest by the United States — United States Department of State on August 1, 2022, and his subsequent detention. He recounted being arrested in the early hours of the morning, along with two other boys, while operatives searched for his elder brother, Jamiu Abdulmalik. Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza stated that he was initially held at a United States — United States Department of State facility in Lokoja, where he met the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, and was only questioned about personal details. He claimed that it was not until August 18, 2022, when he was transferred to Ondo State, that he was confronted with allegations related to the Catholic Church attack and membership in the Islamic State – West Africa Province. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial until March 6 for the continuation of the defense.